There are three types of drills: hand-held drills (with cord or cordless), drill presses and magnetic base drills. You must take your working conditions into consideration in order to choose the most suitable type of drill.
First of all, depending on the materials you have to drill, the diameter and depth of the holes will not be the same. Most manufacturers will provide you with information on the maximum diameters and depths for each material.
The power of the drill is another characteristic you must consider. The more powerful your drill is, the easier it will be to drill through very hard materials, such as concrete.
The speed depends on the power of the drill. For some materials (such as metals), if the speed is too high, you will damage the drill bit. We therefore recommend that you use a drill with electronic speed control for this type of material.
Lastly, in the case of a portable cordless drill, it is important to pay attention to the device voltage. The higher the battery voltage, the more powerful it will be.
A cordless drill is the most essential power tool you’ll buy. It’s the one you’ll rely on for big projects, such as building a deck and remodeling a kitchen, and for smaller tasks, like installing fixtures and assembling furniture. You might even need your drill to service other tools.
Most cordless drills these days run on lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, which deliver more power and longer run times in a lighter package than before. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, Li-ion batteries have improved so much over the past decade that a newer drill might run 50 percent longer than a drill from seven years ago.
Many of today’s cordless drills also benefit from a motor makeover. Not long ago, brushless motors (as opposed to the more prevalent brushed variety) were reserved for contractor-oriented brands such as DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee, but now they’re available in modestly priced consumer drills from the likes of Kobalt, Porter-Cable, and Ridgid.
Unlike brushed motors that run at the same rate whether you’re drilling into a softwood, such as pine, or a hardwood, like oak—thereby draining the battery—brushless motors adjust to the level of resistance they encounter and use up less energy. Plus, they operate with less friction than brushed motors, allowing them to work more efficiently. They also have fewer moving parts, and because there are no brushes, you never need to think about replacing them.
Improved motors and battery life has consistently elevated brand performance in CR’s ratings, which now include impact drivers. Impact drivers are extremely powerful, compact tools that drive screws more efficiently into wood, metal, and cement than traditional cordless drills, making them a popular choice for heavy duty jobs like building decks or home improvements.
Impact drivers and cordless drills are indispensable for those who are handy. And of the folks who own cordless drills, the majority are happy with their purchase. According to data from our exclusive member survey, two-thirds of cordless drill brands rate favorably for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. Five brands rated Excellent in both reliability and satisfaction—Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, and Ridgid.
You can spend anywhere from $30 to $300 on a new drill. Or up to $450 on an impact driver. Read on for everything you need to know to find the right tool for you.